Coronavirus (COVID-19) and our Response
I am writing to you regarding the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19). As anxiety rises due to the increasing awareness and effects of COVID-19, it raises the question as to how we should respond as Christians and a community of faith. I want to both encourage you and inform you of our response as a church.
Please note, the elders and I are in no way medical experts nor will presume any level of expertise. I have included as many informative links as possible. I encourage you likewise to be informed and to consider how you and your family should respond prayerfully.
What we know about the virus
The COVID-19 novel coronavirus is a new strain of coronavirus affecting people around the world. The World Health Organisation recently declared it to be a pandemic. Some coronaviruses can cause an illness similar to the common cold and others can cause more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). You can learn more and remain up to date here: http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/217/838/novel-.
HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND.
There are two errors we want to avoid. Firstly is to under-react to the situation as though there is no real problem. It is clear from what we know that a certain level of concern is appropriate, particularly when those more vulnerable around us could be more susceptible. Secondly, we do not want to over-react and be crippled with fear. So how should we respond as a Christian community? Let me offer three ways we can respond with some practical applications specific to our community of faith.
FAITH NOT FEAR
7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Tim. 1:7
A Christian response to any disaster, tragedy or threat is one of faith, not fear. Why? Because we know our God is sovereign and is with us. When fear rules our hearts, we become narrow in our focus and self-centred in our living. Consider some of those videos circulating of people fighting over toilet paper in the supermarkets. Fear leads us to compete with our neighbour rather than to love them. Faith anchors our hearts in God, and therefore, frees us to love and consider our neighbour. In times such as this, we are reminded of our fragility and utter dependence on God. Thus, faith in God is the appropriate and necessary response. And how good is it that we can place our trust in a sure and steady rock like God. The one who has proven he is trustworthy. Trials of uncertainty and difficulty will test our faith. Yet God works during these times to purify our faith so that it results in praise and glory.
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7
Therefore, as people of faith let us "Be Still and Know that He is God. That he will be exalted amongst the nations and with us as our fortress" (Psalm. 46:10-11). I encourage you to join us in regular Bible Reading and praying to increase your faith. Make it your goal to spend more time listening to the voice of God through his word, than the sound of the media. "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17)
There are two ways we can do this together. Firstly, join us for "7 at 7". Pray 7 minutes a day at 7 am and 7pm. Secondly, join us by reading one chapter of Mark each day.
WISDOM NOT IGNORANCE
Faith is not weakness, not a grasping for the wind, nor antithetical to wisdom. Biblical faith is an anchor grounded in truth. The same Bible, which calls us to trust in God, encourages us to apply wisdom.
God, in his common grace, has given us medical experts and authorities. The Bible tells us pray for our authorities
2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1 Timothy 2:1–2.
And to trust him as the ultimate authority as we do so
13 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1.
Therefore, in wisdom, we should listen, learn and take all the precautions recommended by medical authorities. Queensland Health and the Australian Department of Health are working hard to manage and contain the impact of this virus for Australians and Queenslanders alike. Please continue to follow the links provided below for updated information.
LOVE NOT ANGER
Jesus said in John 13:35, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Shake a person a little bit in life, and you'll see what they are made of, what's truly on the inside. The same is true of the church. Throughout history, when the church has been shaken it is love that overflows. We have an incredible opportunity not only to show we are people categorised by faith but also people of love. This is a time for the Church of Jesus to shine the light of Christ. Be open to God-given opportunities to love each other and our neighbours during this time.
HOW WILL CHURCH OPERATE?
One way as a church we can love one another is to consider each other in how we interact. In light of Scott Morrison’s statement of closing all gatherings over 500 people, we feel it’s inevitable that smaller gatherings will be asked to stop meeting. Therefore, we would like to be pre-emptive and cancel our gatherings for this Sunday. Again, the reason we’re doing this is love for those in our church that are vulnerable, love for our neighbour and out of wisdom for our wider community. We will keep everyone updated going forward, so please continue to read church emails and monitor all social media for ongoing updates.
Additionally, if you do become unwell please communicate with the key leaders to keep everyone informed so we can continue to pray and love you well.
The advice everyone has received from Queensland Health is as following:
• remain at home.
• avoid close contact with others such as touching, kissing or hugging ;
• see a doctor or contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) immediately;
• seek medical advice if you/your child has other underlying medical conditions;
• call ahead to the medical centre or doctor’s surgery, advising of you/your child’s symptoms;
• wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly before and after eating, and after going to the toilet;
• use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap is unavailable;
• limit physical touch where possible. Consider waving, or nodding rather than a touching;
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of elbow; and
• dispose of tissues in the bin immediately.
If travelling overseas, you may need to self-isolate for 14 days on your return, as cases are emerging in many countries.
Further advice and information about the coronavirus is available on the Queensland Health website:
http://conditions.health.qld.gov.au/HealthCondition/condition/14/217/838/novel-
Updated travel advice https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19
Grace and Peace,
Kyllum Lewis
Lead Pastor
lifecentrechurch.com.au